In recent times, cricket has become a batsman-dominated game, with the younger generation idolizing batting legends as their cricketing heroes. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, fans have often leaned toward the brilliance of batters. However, India’s cricketing history is equally rich with legendary fast bowlers who have left an indelible mark on the game. From Kapil Dev’s thunderous deliveries to Jasprit Bumrah’s iconic spells, Indian fans are increasingly recognizing the vital role of bowlers. In this article, we honour these exceptional talents by exploring the players who have taken the most wickets for India in all formats, showcasing their invaluable contributions to Indian cricket.
Anil Kumble stands proudly at the top of the list for the most wickets for India, earning the title of the nation’s most successful bowler. Known as “Jumbo”, Kumble dominated Test cricket with 619 wickets in 132 matches, showcasing incredible accuracy and his unique ability to generate bounce and turn on various pitches. One of his most iconic moments came in 1999, when he achieved figures of 10/74 against Pakistan, becoming only the second bowler in cricket history to take all ten wickets in an innings.
In ODIs, Anil Kumble added another impressive milestone by taking 334 wickets in 263 matches, averaging 30.83. While he didn’t play in the T20 format for India, his overall career tally reached an astonishing 953 wickets over 18 years. This feat solidifies his status as the bowler with the most wickets by an Indian bowler, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest off-spinners, retired from international cricket in 2024, leaving behind an illustrious legacy. Renowned as India’s most potent weapon in the home series, Ashwin was a key member of the victorious squads in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In ODIs, he claimed 156 wickets in 116 matches at an average of 33.20. In Test cricket, Ashwin is second on the list for the most wickets for India in Test cricket, with an exceptional 537 wickets in just 106 matches, averaging 24.00.
His mastery over variations like the carrom ball and leg spin has made him a nightmare for opposition batters, especially on Indian pitches. In the T20 format, Ashwin’s brilliance continued as he took 72 wickets in 65 matches, averaging 23.22. His remarkable skills and adaptability have earned him a place among India’s cricketing legends, particularly in the most wickets in Test India record books.
Harbhajan Singh, who debuted for India in 1998, began his journey as a promising young off-spinner and quickly established himself as a vital player in Test cricket. Known for his aggression and sharp turn, Harbhajan claimed 417 wickets in 103 Test matches at an average of 32.46, placing him fourth on the list for India Test most wickets. His standout performance came during the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he picked up 32 wickets, including a historic hat trick.
In ODIs, Harbhajan ranks fifth for ODI most wickets India, taking 265 wickets in 234 matches at an average of 33.47. His ability to bowl in high-pressure situations made him a key asset in the limited-overs format. In T20Is, Harbhajan delivered consistently, claiming 25 wickets in 28 matches at an average of 25.32. His impressive record across all formats underscores his contribution to Indian cricket as one of the most reliable spinners.
Kapil Dev, India’s first World Cup-winning captain and a star performer in the iconic 1983 World Cup, is widely regarded as one of India’s greatest all-rounders. Dominating the game between 1987 and 1994, Kapil played a pivotal role in putting Indian cricket on the global map. Ranked fourth for most wickets in all formats India, his exceptional bowling skills made him a force to reckon with.
In Test cricket, Kapil took 434 wickets in 131 matches at an average of 29.64, earning him a place among the legends for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in Test. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a threat on all surfaces. In ODIs, Kapil continued to be a match-winner, picking up 253 wickets in 225 matches at an average of 27.45. Despite never playing a T20I, his bowling legacy remains unmatched, contributing significantly to India’s historic Test victories and ODI dominance during his era.
Ravindra Jadeja has been an instrumental figure for the Indian cricket team, particularly in their dominance at home, where they remained unbeaten in the Test series for 12 years between 2012 and 2024. Partnering with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja consistently spun a web around touring batters, becoming a nightmare for opposition teams. Ranked fifth for the most wickets for India in Test, Jadeja has claimed an impressive 323 wickets in just 80 matches, boasting an exceptional average of 24.14.
In ODIs, Jadeja’s all-round brilliance has been equally impactful. He has taken 220 wickets in 197 matches at an average of 36.07, often providing crucial breakthroughs. Additionally, he features in the list of the most wickets for India in T20, with 54 wickets from 74 matches, showcasing his versatility across formats. A two-time ICC tournament winner, Jadeja played key roles in India’s triumphs in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2024 T20 World Cup, cementing his legacy as a world-class all-rounder.
Zaheer Khan, one of India’s most versatile bowlers, is celebrated for his impeccable discipline and a bowling action that has inspired many young cricketers. A key figure in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, Zaheer made a lasting impact across formats. In Test cricket, he picked up 311 wickets in just 92 matches, maintaining an average of 32.94. His expertise in swinging the ball both ways, combined with his skilful variations, made him a formidable opponent.
In ODIs, Zaheer Khan ranks fourth in the list of most wickets for India in ODI, with 269 wickets from 194 matches. His remarkable average of 30.11, along with his ability to outsmart batsmen, earned him a reputation as one of the best in the format. Additionally, his 17 wickets in 17 T20 matches further solidified his status as a top-tier bowler for India. Zaheer’s consistency and effectiveness across formats make him an integral part of India’s bowling legacy.
Javagal Srinath was India’s leading fast bowler during the 1990s and played a pivotal role in the 2003 ODI World Cup, making his name in the most wickets for India in ODI list. Known for his speed, accuracy, and ability to bowl long spells, Srinath was a key asset for the Indian team, especially with his swing and consistency. In Test cricket, he earned 236 wickets from 67 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 30.49, with his best performance being 8/86 against Pakistan.
In ODIs, Srinath is ranked as the second most successful bowler for India, with 315 wickets in 229 matches. His ODI average of 28.08 reflects his dominance in the format. Though he never played T20 cricket, his overall contributions make him a notable figure in India’s cricket history. Srinath’s remarkable achievements have earned him a place among the best bowlers in the country, cementing his spot in the most wickets for India in all formats list.
Mohammed Shami, affectionately called “Lala” by his teammates, has established himself as one of India’s most reliable bowlers across formats. Known for his remarkable seam position, Shami has been a key figure for the Indian team. In Test cricket, he stands among the players with the most wickets for India in Test cricket, having taken 229 wickets in 64 matches at an impressive average of 27.71. His consistency and ability to deliver in all conditions have made him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack.
In ODIs, Shami has been a standout performer in World Cups, with 55 wickets from 18 matches. Overall, in 101 ODIs, he has accumulated 195 wickets at an average of 23.68, solidifying his place as a key ODI bowler. Shami has also featured prominently in T20s, ranking among the players with the T20 most wickets for India, having taken 24 wickets in 23 matches with an economy rate of 8.94, showcasing his adaptability across formats.
Jasprit Bumrah has firmly established himself as one of India’s greatest bowlers, with his brilliance making him the focal point of India’s bowling attack. A legendary statement, “I only believe in Jassi Bhai”, sums up the trust the team has in him. In Tests, Bumrah has been a force to reckon with, taking 205 wickets in just 45 matches at an outstanding average of 19.40. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he claimed 32 wickets, only added to his legacy as an all-time great.
In ODIs, Bumrah was instrumental in India reaching the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup and the finals of the 2023 World Cup, amassing 149 wickets in 89 matches at an average of 23.55. In T20 cricket, Bumrah features among India T20 most wickets, with 89 wickets in 70 matches. His impressive performances earned him the Man of the Tournament award at the 2024 T20 World Cup, further solidifying his reputation as one of the players with the most wickets for India in all formats.
Ishant Sharma, often considered one of the most underrated bowlers, holds the 10th spot in the list of bowlers with the most wickets for India in all formats. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, his ability to generate bounce made him a formidable force, particularly on challenging overseas pitches. One of his career highlights includes the memorable spell at Lord’s in 2014, and his clutch over in the 2013 Champions Trophy final.
In Test cricket, Ishant has played 105 matches, taking 311 wickets at an average of 32.40. In ODIs, he has claimed 115 wickets in 80 matches, maintaining a solid average of 30.98. Although his T20I career has been brief, with just 8 wickets from 14 matches, Ishant remains in the list of most wickets by an Indian bowler. His contributions have played a key role in India’s success across all formats.
Clearly, India has seen legendary bowlers like Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah leave their mark across all formats. These bowlers have played a crucial role in India’s cricketing success with their skill and consistency. Looking ahead, a new generation of bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan and many more, are rising to the challenge. With their talent and potential, it will be interesting to see which of these young bowlers might go on to break Anil Kumble’s record of 953 wickets. Who do you think from this new lot has the best chance of achieving this remarkable feat?
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This is really great form of Indian cricket team.
Hats off and Cheers.
I love this informative article ♥️
I satisfied with the list , I love Anil kumble, jumbo most wicket all formats, now I love bumrah, shami
That's really encouraging. Hope rest of the players also leave the remark in all formats.
Ravindra Jadeja is my favourite player.and he is best all-rounder of the India